I am following the moisturizing cream + Zinc dispersion recipe and I am extremely satisfied. I do allow for a little time for it to absorb in & then I dab off anything that I feel looks a little white - but that's because I initially use a fairly thick coating on myself. I use a bit of foundation at times on top and there are no issues as far as weird colors or texture issues. I am so grateful for this entire website as a one-stop-shop for such effective skin care products, and now we can.. ...»

The best, most potent and most stable form of Vitamin C.
Makes quite a difference to the appearance of mature, photo-damaged skin - don't expect results over night but with consistent use your skin will look more even and radiant!.. ...»

This ingredient has done more for my skin than anything else I've ever used.
I put it into a spray facial toner and use it morning and night. I noticed the effects immediately, they were that dramatic.
I will use this forever, no question... ...»

I've been using Bulkactives green tea EGCG for four years. No complaints, it blends nicely my DIY anti-aging cream. I can feel a bit of toning and definitely notice the anti-inflammatory effects on my skin. Two observations that keep the rating 4 stars instead of 5: (1) A package of green tea contains significantly less weight/volume than the package of grape seed extract that I order from bulkactives. The two are combined in equal amounts in the anti-aging cream, so I find myself running o.. ...»

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What we sell

We sell COSMETIC RAW MATERIALS, which are meant to be used at an appropriate percentage in a cosmetic formulation of your devising. Please do not order our products unless you know how to formulate creams and lotions with it!

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Quercetin

Quercetin is a molecule belonging to a class of complex organic compounds called flavonoids. Quercetin is produced by many plants, notably onions. The most important effect of this molecule is neutralizing free radicals. Quercetin can achieve this directly, due to its antioxidative properties, or by binding iron ions, which play a strong part in the accumulation of free radicals. Therefore, quercetin is an important component in UV-protective cosmeceuticals. It can also reduce the inflammation, darkening and synthesis of collagen-degrading enzymes, caused by UV exposure. Furthermore, quercetin has benefits for wound care, as it improves both healing of new wounds and subsequent scar formation. It even has a positive effect on the lifespan of cells, slowing down processes of cell ageing.

NOTE: To assist you with solubility issues, we now also sell Quercetin as two liquids: standardized pre-dissolved solution and standardized ethosome microemulsion. Just add the liquid to your cream and mix well.

About Quercetin in DIY Skin Care

Flavonoids are complex organic molecules, performing many diverse functions in plants, and possessing various benefits for human body. Quercetin is one of the most popular flavonoids, found in many plant-based foods [1]. It is particularly abundant in onions (can make up 0.1 % of their fresh weight), and is responsible for many of the health benefits of onion extracts [2]. In skincare, quercetin is most important for various aspects of UV protection, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Additionally, as a component in onion extract, quercetin provides active support in wound healing and scar care.

UV exposure of the skin leads to generation of free radicals and inflammation. These processes lead to damage ranging from cosmetic defects (photoageing of skin) to pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions. Flavonoids have the possibility to neutralize this damage due to their antioxidant properties, and quercetin is one of the most potent flavonoids in this respect. Applying quercetin emulsion helps the natural defenses against free radicals – namely, it restores antioxidant glutathione levels [3]. Accumulation of free radicals is increased by iron ions. Quercetin has the ability to bind (chelate) this ions, thus reducing the speed of free radical production under damaging conditions [4].

Collagen degradation is another adverse effect of UV, as sunlight exposure enhances the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase enzymes. This can also be avoided by using an emulsion with 0.5 % quercetine [5]. Furthermore, quercetin is known to inhibit the inflammatory signals, typically produced after UV exposure [6]. Applications of quercetin on UV-irradiated mouse skin reduced irritation, edema and leukocyte accumulation, typical signs of inflammation [7].

Surprisingly, quercetin applications also have a general anti-ageing effect on cells. It was found that cells treated with this flavonoid have increased life span and maintain features of young cells longer [8]. This effect is likely related to the antioxidant power of quercetin, as the treated cells were also more protected from oxidative stress. Finally, this compound also showed a whitening effect on cells by reducing melanin synthesis [8].

Quercetin has other applications in skin care as well. It was found that it helps skin recover after burns, including reduced inflammation, minimized damage and faster regeneration of hair follicles [9]. Even mouth ulcer healing is supported by applications of quercetin [10]. Since quercetin is the most abundant flavonoid in onion flesh, the medicinal uses of this plant’s extract reflect the benefits of quercetin. Namely, onion extract is used in scar care – its applications result in improved scar appearance and decreased size [11], [12]. Although treatment may take 2-3 months, the improvement in appearance is noted by both the volunteers and researchers. Even scars of hypertrophic type can be treated by this extract [13]. In these applications, onion extract is often combined with allantoin [11], [13]. Preliminary results from volunteer studies also indicate that quercetin has positive results on skin elasticity, moisturization and depth of wrinkles [8]. As an ingredient in creams, quercetin is stable and shows strong antioxidant activity even after 3 months of storage at high temperatures [14].

NOTE: To assist you with solubility issues, we now also sell Quercetin in two liquids: pre-dissolved solution and ethosome microemulsion. Just add the liquid to your cream and mix well, or add water and mix well.